One Resource We Can’t Afford to Cut
When resources get tight, we often treat psychological safety as a luxury. We assume we don't have time for "soft skills" during a crisis.
The Evidence: New research from Harvard Business Review challenges this view. A study of 27,000 healthcare workers found that psychological safety is actually a survival requirement. When staff feel safe to speak up, burnout drops significantly, even when staffing and tools are scarce.
The Takeaway: Listening is protective. Fostering a safe environment is how we keep our teams intact through the hardest shifts.
In Tough Times, Psychological Safety Is a Requirement, Not a Luxury
When budgets tighten, programs that promote psychological safety—the freedom to speak up without fear of retribution—are often cut. New research shows that’s a mistake. A study of 27,000 healthcare workers during the pandemic found that feeling psychologically safe significantly reduces burnout and turnover, even when resources are severely constrained. Employees who felt safe enough to voice concerns also proved to be more resilient and more likely to stay in their jobs. Building this “social resource” before a crisis pays dividends when uncertainty spikes.
Michael Blanding
Read the full article: In Tough Times, Psychological Safety Is a Requirement, Not a Luxury